Quest Theatre presents The Umbrella by Puente Theatre & the Old Trout Puppet Workshop, in collaboration with Bučan Bučan

Photo by Trudy Lee Photography

Based on the book written and illustrated by Judd Palmer (which was shortlisted for Canada's Governor-General's Award for Children's Literature), The Umbrella is a love story about a man and his umbrella; but one storm-struck day a certain sinister crow threatens their happiness together. The set is a theatrical-storm contraption, complete with thunder sheet, wind machine, and rainspout; the puppet stage is a huge bucket. Through a storm both metaphorical and actual, our heroes emerge scarred -- but love prevails.

"Let thrum your heart to thunder". The Crow

We are beyond thrilled that our amazing collaborators across the Rockies, Quest Theatre, are touring The Umbrella to these two festivals across the country. Than you Quest Theatre!

The grass really is greener on the other side. But a hideous troll has taken up residence under the bridge, and the promised land is forever unattainable – if you’re a goat born on the wrong side of the craggy chasm. But is the troll really what he seems? Why does he live under the bridge? Could there be a way across to the land of plenty, after all?

Who’s that clip-clopping across my bridge? Gruff is a modern retelling of the familiar folktale Three Billy Goats Gruff. The grass really is greener on the other side. But a hideous troll has taken up residence under the bridge, and the promised land is forever unattainable—if you’re a goat born on the wrong side of the craggy chasm. But is the troll really what he seems? Why does he live under the bridge? Could there be a way across to the land of plenty after all? Gruff is a rollicking musical for all ages.

Based on the book written and illustrated by Judd Palmer (which was shortlisted for Canada's Governor-General's Award for Children's Literature), The Umbrella is a love story about a man and his umbrella; but one storm-struck day a certain sinister crow threatens their happiness together. The set is a theatrical-storm contraption, complete with thunder sheet, wind machine, and rainspout; the puppet stage is a huge bucket. Through a storm both metaphorical and actual, our heroes emerge scarred -- but love prevails.

"Let thrum your heart to thunder". The Crow

We've been working hard in collaboration with Quest Theatre and Bučan Bučan on a new version of the show and we're thrilled to announce that The Umbrella will be touring to Alberta schools as part of Quest Theatre's 2015-16 Season!

For more information or to book The Umbrella in Alberta, please visit:

THE TRUE STRANGE STORY OF A 17th CENTURY NUN WHO BECAME AN INFAMOUS CONQUISTADOR

“There is no name for what I am. You would have to make a new word.”

It’s the 17th Century; the armies of Spain are slaughtering their way across the New World, and one renowned conquistador, Antonio de Erauso, is famed for his ferocity – until, on trial for murdering his own brother, facing execution, Antonio pleads for clemency – by revealing that he’s actually an escaped nun. Imprisoned and enchained, haunted by the ghosts of the slain, the Lieutenant Nun confesses the story that has been kept secret for so long….

“New words must be freshly made, on the spot, for a creature you have never seen, a fruit you have never tasted. It’s the New World!”

The Umbrella

@ The Family Theatre Festival!

May 2nd & 3rd

Photo by Sara Hembree

Based on the book written and illustrated by Judd Palmer (which was shortlisted for Canada's Governor-General's Award for Children's Literature), The Umbrella is a love story about a man and his umbrella; but one storm-struck day a certain sinister crow threatens their happiness together. The set is a theatrical-storm contraption, complete with thunder sheet, wind machine, and rainspout; the puppet stage is a huge bucket. Through a storm both metaphorical and actual, our heroes emerge scarred -- but love prevails.

"Let thrum your heart to thunder". The Crow

The show is a small-scale piece for families, created and performed by Mercedes Bátiz-Benét and Judd Palmer, with music composed by Julia Knight. The Umbrella is a co-production between Puente Theatre and The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, with music performed by Bučan Bučan, Victoria's beloved Balkan brass marching band.

Featuring Mariachi Los Dorados, El Jinete is a tale of love, vengeance and the supernatural, told through classics of the Mariachi repertoire. Inspired by the Golden Era of Mexican cinema, the show uses multi-layered projections to make it a black and white film come to life. The Rider is a cursed mariachi with a bullet wound in his heart; like a Mexican Orpheus, he crosses the border into El Norte to avenge the kidnapping of his bride. On the other side of the Rio Grande, he finds a strange and modern world, from which he may never return…

We're going on tour to Lyon, France with our show The Umbrella in June!

Based on the book written and illustrated by Judd Palmer (which was shortlisted for Canada's Governor-General's Award for Children's Literature), The Umbrella is a love story about a man and his umbrella; but one storm-struck day a certain sinister crow threatens their happiness together. The set is a theatrical-storm contraption, complete with thunder sheet, wind machine, and rainspout; the puppet stage is a huge bucket. Through a storm both metaphorical and actual, our heroes emerge scarred -- but love prevails.

"Let thrum your heart to thunder". The Crow

The show is a small-scale piece for families, created and performed by Mercedes Bátiz-Benét and Judd Palmer, with music composed by Julia Wakal. The Umbrella is a co-production between Puente Theatre and The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, with music by Bučan Bučan, Victoria's beloved Balkan brass marching band.

Presented by Puente Theatre, The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, and Bučan Bučan, this is the night to chase away your winter woes. Bringing together Victoria's Music, Theatre, and Literary Scenes in an exciting evening of food, drinks, dancing, and yes... puppets!

Sit back, sheltered from the rain, and enjoy the premiere performance of Mercedes Bátiz-Benét & Judd Palmer's puppet show, The Umbrella, followed by a night of dancing and debauchery with Victoria's #1 Balkan Party Band, Bučan Bučan!

February 28th @ The White Eagle Hall - 90 Dock St.8 pm
19+
Advance Tickets $20
Available at Phillips Brewery and Larsen School of Music

Our 2nd Annual Day of the Dead Fiesta!

November 2nd

Doors open @ 8 pm

1501 Douglas St.

Culture Days!

Join us and the Belfry Theatre on September 28th for a full day of free and fun activities for all ages.

Puppets in the Square

Saturday, September 28 (10 am - 2 pm) @ the Fernwood Square

Come to Fernwood Square and interact with "Amor de Cosmos" & "China Gate" from our H2L (History to Life) characters. Designed by Catherine Hahn and created in partnership with Merlin's Sun Theatre, these larger than life puppets will astound.

Join master puppeteer Tim Gosley in a one-hour workshop that will expand your mind and help you create a wonderful world with light and shadow.

In this gonzo-styled workshop you will discover how with cheap props & lights you can create a magical world of shadows. Unlike traditional 2D shadow puppetry, LED (and halogen light) Shadows create a 3D filmic effect. The light source can be moved the same as a camera creating close-ups, mid and distance shots. Special effects are easily created with lenses and mirrored mylar. Puppets and props can be hand crafted, found (often toys), or adapted from found objects. It is a fun and effective technique.

For more information about the SPARK Festival please visit: Spark Festival

GRUFF is going on tour to the International Festival of Animated Objects!

For more information about the International Festival of Animated Objects, and on how to purchase tickets for the March 17th performance of GRUFF, please visit: CAOS

GRUFF was commissioned by Kaleidoscope Theatre for their Family Theatre Festival, which featured four new works by Suddenly Dance Theatre, Urban Arts, Kaleidoscope Theatre, and Puente Theatre. Puente is grateful for the generous support Kaleidoscope provided for the creation and development of this show.

Staged readings of plays from around the world

A reading series of plays-in-progress

If you're interested in telling your story - we can help.

Theatre Tools: workshops, training and presentations

For Your Inspiration is a new arts outreach initiative created by the Canada Council in collaboration with design company Cause + Effect to highlight 22 of Vancouver’s and Vancouver Island's most vibrant culturally diverse arts organizations!